Philippines' $3-billion airport project

13 Sep 2023 CW Team

In a bid to address chronic flight delays, congestion, and outdated facilities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Philippine government has attracted three potential bidders for its ambitious $3 billion modernization project. The project aims to transform NAIA, currently ranked among the world's worst international airports, into a world-class aviation gateway. The prospective bidders include India's GMR Group, conglomerate San Miguel Corporation, and a Manila consortium, which had previously submitted an unsolicited proposal valued at $4.9 billion for the airport's overhaul. However, this initial proposal was rejected by authorities.

Secretary Jaime Bautista, the Philippine transportation secretary, emphasized the importance of selecting a bidder with extensive experience in airport operations and a strong financial background. He made these remarks during an interview on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Indonesia.

To attract overseas investors, the Philippine government is planning two roadshows. The first will be held in Singapore next week, followed by another in Paris in the third week of September. The bidding process is scheduled to open in the last week of December, with the announcement of the winning bidder expected in January.

The selected bidder will not only undertake the airport's modernization but will also be responsible for its operation and maintenance. The modernization project aims to double the airport's capacity, increasing it to approximately 60 million passengers annually. The concession period offered for this colossal project is 25 years.

This development signifies a significant step forward in addressing the long-standing issues plaguing NAIA, with the government's commitment to enhancing the airport's infrastructure and services in line with international standards.

Infrastructure Urban

28 Oct 2025

PM GatiShakti Group Reviews Key Infrastructure Projects

The Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti initiative recently convened its 66th meeting to review and assess 10 infrastructure projects aimed at improving multimodal connectivity across the country. The reviewed projects span sectors including roads, railways, ports, and urban development. Officials from the Ministries of Road Transport and Highways, Railways, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Housing and Urban Affairs, and other key departments participated in the review. The deliberations focused on enhancing synergy between ministries to ensure last-mile connectivity, efficient..

HC green-lights redevelopment of ‘infamous’ Pratibha Tower in Mumbai

The Bombay High Court has declined to halt the redevelopment of the infamous Pratibha Tower in Mumbai’s Breach Candy area, allowing the housing society to move forward with the long-pending project. The petition opposing the redevelopment was dismissed after the court found no substantial reason to delay the process. The ruling marks a crucial step toward resolving one of South Mumbai’s most controversial housing redevelopment cases, plagued by years of litigation and structural concerns. With the court’s approval, the society can now proceed with reconstruction under approved developm..

BEML, Tesmec Partner to Introduce Advanced Surface Miners

BEML has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Italy-based Tesmec S.p.A. to introduce advanced surface miner technology for Indian mining operations. The collaboration seeks to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainable mining practices through state-of-the-art equipment designed for precision excavation and reduced dust emissions. Under the agreement, both companies will explore localisation opportunities to manufacture surface miners and allied equipment in India, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The partnership will also focus on d..